Millions of Residents Struggle Through Record-Breaking Snowstorm Across the Northeastern United States As Schools and Transit Systems Remain Disrupted

Millions of residents across the northeastern United States are digging out after one of the most punishing snowstorms in recent memory.

From New York City to Boston and Providence, the storm dumped unprecedented amounts of snow, closed schools, canceled flights, and left power outages in its wake.

At least one death has been reported, highlighting the storm’s deadly impact.

In New York City, over 900,000 students returned to school despite the snowy conditions, a decision Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended, even jokingly inviting children to pelt him with snowballs.

In contrast, districts in Boston, Hartford, and Philadelphia remained closed, forcing families to scramble for childcare and adjust work schedules.

---

Roads and Transit Struggle to Keep Up With Snow

Monday’s storm, described by meteorologists as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter,” brought more than two feet of snow to parts of the Northeast, with Rhode Island recording over three feet — surpassing totals from the historic 1978 blizzard.

Streets were impassable, snowbanks towered over pedestrians, and mass transit ground to a halt in many areas.

By Tuesday, crews had made progress clearing roads, and public transportation began to resume.

Amtrak canceled select trains between Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, though other lines, including New Jersey Transit, were operational.

Long Island Railroad deployed a specialized snow-clearing train nicknamed “Darth Vader” to tackle stubborn drifts.

---

Human Toll and Tragic Losses

The storm has not been without tragedy.

In Newport, Rhode Island, 21-year-old Joseph Boutros was found dead in his snow-covered car, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The storm also strained emergency services and disrupted court cases, with at least one juror in a Manhattan trial stranded and unable to return for proceedings.

Beyond the statistics, families and communities faced enormous logistical challenges navigating icy sidewalks, clearing driveways, and maintaining access to essential services.

For many, the storm was more than an inconvenience — it was a serious test of resilience.

---

Snowball Fights, Community Spirit, and Cleanup Efforts

Even amid the chaos, people found ways to embrace the winter wonderland.

Snowball fights erupted in New York City’s Washington Square Park, though police reported some clashes as officers were pelted with snow.

Communities across the region shared moments of kindness as neighbors helped shovel driveways and cleared paths for students and commuters.

Cities are deploying large-scale snow removal solutions.

New York City plans to use snow melters to handle the massive piles, while Providence is shipping snow to five designated dumping locations.

Officials warned that cleanup will remain challenging, especially with another storm forecasted to move in later in the week.

---

Another Storm Looms on the Horizon

Meteorologists are tracking a new storm system moving from the Great Lakes toward the Northeast.

While it is not expected to match Monday’s bomb cyclone in intensity, even a few additional inches could slow cleanup efforts and continue to disrupt daily life for residents still grappling with the aftermath.

---

What’s Next?

Officials urge caution as cleanup continues.

Schools and businesses may face further closures depending on local conditions.

Power restoration is ongoing, particularly in Cape Cod, where more than 100,000 remain without electricity.

City governments are preparing for possible flooding as snow melts and are advising residents to stay vigilant.

Forecasters also advise keeping an eye on the next storm system, as any accumulation could exacerbate hazards from Monday’s historic snow.

---

Summary

By MAX WINTERS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

A historic winter storm has paralyzed much of the northeastern U.S., leaving residents shoveling snow, navigating dangerous streets, and managing school and work disruptions.

Over 900,000 students returned to New York City schools while other districts closed.

At least one fatality was reported, and mass transit faced cancellations.

Cleanup efforts continue, with large-scale snow melters and special trains deployed.

Officials warn another storm may arrive soon, and power outages remain in parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.